Panaji, Sep 1 (IANS): Thousands of homes in Goa ceremoniously brought home clay idols of the elephant-headed god and consecrated them on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi Thursday.

The Ganesh festival, largely a home affair here, unlike in Maharashtra where it is visible as a public celebration, is the most popular festival in Goa along with Christmas.

The festival witnesses celebrations that last for a day-and-a-half, five days, seven days or 21 days, during which the idol of Lord Ganesh is worshipped morning and evening.

Goa Archbishop Filipe Feri Ferrao has extended his greetings to the Hindu community.

"It is a festival that nourishes genuinely every human relationship, both personal and communinarian," he said. "We wish that these values may be the core of every relationship in the community and outside it," he said.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said the festival promoted communal harmony in Goa and asked the people to celebrate with vigil.

The state government has already requisitioned a company of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to maintain law and order and advisories have also been issued to residents against the theft and burglaries common in the season.